If the
ultra-modern architecture and forward-looking citizens of Kuala Lumpur
symbolize Malaysia’s hopes for the future, then the quiet, seaside city of
Malacca, about 150 kilometres to the south, is the guardian charged with the
reflective task of preserving its past. Five hundred years ago, an
extraordinary empire rose and fell here, its power and dreams suddenly caught
off-guard by the dawn of the Colonial Era.
State
of Malacca was known as one of the top tourist destinations in Malaysia with
its own unique cultural heritage, historic places to visit and of course food
and others. Slogan that Visit Historic Malacca means visiting Malaysia is able
to give a brief overview of what can be served to tourists by the different races
here. Variants of this place as one of Melacca tourists destinations of
distinction in the Asia. On July 7, 2008, have also been recognized by UNESCO
as a World Heritage City and is now known as the “Malacca World Heritage City”.
The
city was so coveted by the European powers that the Portuguese writer Barbarosa
wrote “whoever is Lord in Malacca has his hand on the throat of Venice”. It was
a major port along the spice-route and its harbour bristled with the sails and
masts of Chinese junks and spice-laden vessels from all over the hemisphere.
Because the city was originally built of wood, there are no crumbling and
stately reminders of the power once wielded by the Malaccan Sultanate, but
along shores of the Malacca River the scene has probably changed little.
Malacca
is a place where many culture meet and fused. One of the most pronounced
influence is the Portuguese architectural that one can see around Malacca. When
the Portuguese came in 1511, they built a fort overlooking the river and named
it A Famosa. It was built to maintain the Portuguese stronghold across the Far
East, to date it is one of the oldest European Architecture present in South
East Asia. Besides, The Portuguese Square is also a place to enjoy the
Portuguese culture within Malacca. Its located 20 minutes from Malacca town,
within the Portuguese Settlement in Ujong Pasir. The square is facing the sea
where you can catch a hearty Portuguese food while enjoying the sea breeze.
Apart
from Portuguese influence, there is also Chinese descendant’s settler that have
adopted into the local Malay culture through intermarriage, forming the
distinct Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum to view the unique carving of
furniture and house interior. As mentioned earlier, Malacca is a place where
many culture meets. The Stadthuys, which means the Municipal Town Hall in Dutch
and it’s the biggest and oldest Dutch building in Southeast Asia, located in
Malacca Town Square. It was built when the Dutch took over Malacca from the
Portuguese and it took nearly 20 years to completion where the building
materials are imported from Netherlands.
If
tourists are an antic lover, Jonker Street will be a perfect place for them.
Its pleasant for a slow stroll where they can get delicious local delicacies,
Nyonya fashions and shoes as well as cafes and pubs. There are also a few Baba
and Nyonya style accommodation in Jonker Street, where tourist can truly
experience the living of the ‘Peranakan’, for example The Baba House.
Otherwise, there are plenty of hotels around Malacca. Other attractions of
Malacca include Marine Museum and Zoo Malacca.
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